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Topic Review (Newest First)

08-30-2007 03:12 PM

1970Columbia34

For Rigging, I always call Rigging Only first and sometimes no where else, I know thats not a good idea but when the past 5 times they have destroyed competition, so there is no reason wasting time calling other places. Example Forespar wisker pole Defender $720+ $230 Shipping=$950, Rigging only $580+$100 Shipping=$680 plus I had it in 6 days.

Also recommend Tom at Midwest Industial Coatings, for anyththing awlgrip or interlux, he was great help when we were painting out boat.

Scott

08-30-2007 10:12 AM

rewell6

Check this site out for your GPS purchases. I've made 2 or 3 purchases from them and have been happy

HOWEVER, I am surprised that not one person has recommended Sailnet. You know, the site that some seem to live on! You are already there, why not take a look?

Actually, I think somebody did. I have checked SailNet for each of the two on-line purchases I've made so far. IIRC, in both cases they either didn't have what I wanted or their price was significantly higher than another reputable on-line vendor. (I honestly don't recall the specifics any more.) Nonetheless: I will continue to check SailNet for future contemplated on-line purchases, as I believe the store deserves our support.

I haven't yet had to buy much that was "sailboat-specific," so to say. So far I've purchased my Weems & Plath plotting tools from MarineTech Boat Supply, who is, I believe, nearby to you, in Grand Haven, MI. Excellent service and prices actually lower than just about anybody else. I bought my Garmin GPSMap 498 GPS/chartplotter/sonar from Hodges Marine Electronics. Also top-notch service and pricing below that of any other reputable vendor. For the odds-and-ends I've found myself needing, I've mostly just stopped by the West Marine that's right down the road from where we're docked. Bought some line for warps, a cleat, and my charts at Mike's Marine. (Dunno if they're just local/regional.)

How is the Helms 25 coming along? I think you had a web site set up, but I can't find the address. I'm looking forward to this long weekend to get some sail time in on Rehoboth and Indian River Bays. If you have any questions come up, ask and I'll see if i can help. I've had mine for one year now and learned a lot with a lot more to learn.

I'm sure I'll have many more questions as I move along with the boat. I've been messing around with the standing rigging in my spare time. It appears there are three shrouds on each side of the mast, but the boat has four chainplates/attachment points on the side decks. Any idea what the fourth is for?

Enjoy your long weekend and have a good sail!

08-30-2007 08:57 AM

PalmettoSailor

I never order from Fawcetts --- It gives me a reason to visit Annapolis!!!

I've had good experience with Defender as well. You gotta love that they extend their big warehouse sale prices to internet shoppers. I bought my BBQ from them during the sale and got as good a deal as I'd seen at the boat show in Annapolis.

One other place I've had good experience with for spar parts is Rig-Rite:

Jamestown Distributors has been great for me. Always someone on the other end of the phone and shipping is great. Often they have free shipping specials.

08-30-2007 08:18 AM

Freesail99

I got my order yesterday from Sailnet. I had asked them to try and get it to me for the weekend. Good job guys, thanks.

08-30-2007 08:14 AM

ntheyer

I bought an inflatable dinghy last fall from Sailnet. The price was excellent, but I would definitely reconsider in the future. I had a problem with the boat leaking air straight out of the box when I set it up in the basement.

I contacted Sailnet the next day and was told "Sorry, once we ship it, you have to deal with the manufacturer." The manufacturer is in Taiwan with a distributor in CA. Shipping alone would be in excess of $100 at least. I ended up losing my $500 in the deal.

Anyone want to buy a useless, leaky, inflatable dinghy?

Sometimes the really low prices are not so low if there are any problems.

This is not an attack against Sailnet. This is their stated policy and I am just repeating what they told me and what is posted on their site. I gambled that the dinghy would be ok, and I lost.

I ended up buying another dighy from a private party on Craigslist.

Beware of the service policy!

Good luck.

08-30-2007 08:09 AM

ntheyer

You're in Grand Rapids... That means you must ABSOLUTELY go to Wolf's Marine in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. Their website is basically useless, but the selection and availability of products are outstanding within the store. Prices are consistently 50% and more less than West Marine.

I drive their from Northern Illinois and it is still worth the five hour round trip. They even have a rewards program that rebates 10% back after six purchases! You have to check it out.

I have no personal affiliation with Wolf's, just a VERY happy customer.

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